THE UNBEARABLE TORMENT OF CELINE DION

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Fighting a brave new battle with cancer, CELINE DION’s 72-year-old husband René Angélil has had part of his tongue removed and has undergone more than 130 radiation treatments.

The critical surgery reportedly took place last December, and “Las Vegas Sun” gossip columnist Robin Leach, a longtime friend, disclosed: “René was unable to swallow or eat for a time, and Celine believed he would die.”

Last month, the devoted wife and showbiz legend announced she was putting her career on hold to be at her husband’s side, and recently she revealed poignant details of the family crisis.

In a candid interview, Celine divulged she was in Los Angeles when she learned before Christmasthat René had been struck with cancer for a second time. He has been 
battling poor health for more than 20 years, including a 1992 heart attack, followed by surgery in 1998 for a malignant lump in his neck.

This time, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer reveals: “I was rehearsing for ‘The Voice’ and René had gone to see the doctor during the day. René said 
to me: ‘I went to see the doctor.’ Then: ‘I have cancer.’

“I didn’t know how to react. I didn’t cry. Time stopped still.”

Celine, 46, disclosed: “He had 
an abscess on his mouth that wasn’t healing. It was just before we were due to leave for Europe. Obviously, they didn’t say ‘It’s 
cancer’ straight away.

“He had been in remission for such a long time since his first bout …but anyone who has ever had cancer will tell you that there is always the fear that it will return.”

Happily, the couple received good news – the cancer had not spread to Rene’s jaw, and he apparently has turned the corner in his courageous fight.

Celine said their 13-year-old son René-Charles “is so relieved his father no longer has cancer. And he knows that, with physiotherapy and special exercises, his condition will improve in coming months. The best is to come as far as he is concerned.”

The couple, who’ll celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in December, also have three-year-old twins, Nelson and Eddy. Celine, who has amassed an estimated $720 million fortune, announced Aug. 13 she had canceled her Las Vegas shows through March 2015, and also her upcoming tour of Asia.

She explained, “I want to devote every ounce of my strength and energy to my husband’s healing.”